I was there. The show seemed to be in really good shape for a first preview. No noticeable problems (save the one time that Raul Esparza stumbled over a line). The set is rather less than stellar. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to look like it did or maybe they haven't gotten around to finishing it. In the grand scheme of things it didn't make too much of a difference.
As for the show itself, I would be a bad judge because I just don't care for the play. I knew going in the story and it didn't make sense to me then and still doesn't now. I really have no idea why things happen they way they do as there doesn't seem to be any noticeable motivation for it. If anyone can help explain it to me, I'd appreciate it.
Performances were good to great across the board. I would give the MVP award to Esparza. He does have the flashiest role, and he makes the most of it. Ian McShane is an excellent actor and he gives a great performance. However, it is also the exact performance I expected Mr. McShane to give. He didn't surprised me, but he certainly met my high expectations. Michael McKean is the more sympathetic member of the family and I wish his character had more presence in the story. Not to sure what to make of James Frain. As I mentioned previously, I have idea of why he lets things progress the way they do. His performance doesn't help to give any clues either. Eve Best's Ruth just comes across as odd and perhaps a bit crazy from the start. Unlike Frain, at least I knew that she wasn't in her right mind to begin with.
Overall, it looks like it'll be a very good production of a not very good play.
2 hours long with one 15 minute intermission.
Updated On: 12/5/07 at 10:32 AM
